Weekly Prayer – June 11, 2025

God in heaven and in our midst:  The vibrance of the light of this month’s full moon displays a bright contrast to an otherwise dark sky. Yet we know it’s actually a mere reflection of the sun’s light, the same light that illuminates our days. Lord of the universe and all creation, we pray that you shine your light on us, your people. So that we might become vibrant reflections of your light in shadowy places of our world darkened by uncertainty, doubt, fear, skepticism, cynicism, and selfishness. Enable each of us to be a beacon of your love-generated light every day and night.

Thank you for the inspiration of this past Pentecost Sunday. That first Pentecost transformed the world. Generations of faithful believers followed. And now?  Now it’s our turn to be the Spirit-filled/Jesus-led/God-sustained people who continue the transformation of the world into your kingdom.

Motivate our minds and hearts to practical acts of such transformation, like taking active roles in Church Street’s on-going mission projects; supporting one another in small groups, Sunday School classes and personal interactions; offering our skills, knowledge and resources to the church’s work; praying; attending; giving; serving; witnessing.

Wrap the comfort and peace of your Holy Spirit around all who grieve, hurt, suffer, fear, struggle, feel hopeless, feel helpless, feel rejected, feel lonely, and seek renewed wholeness. Re-energize us when we’re weary, weak, apathetic, struggling, drained, and shattered. Awaken us to mornings of joy whenever we tarry through seemingly endless night-times.

Again we pray for leaders of our communities and nation who we entrust to enable access to justice, opportunity, security and fulfillment for all people of this land. Those responsibilities have never been easy. Yet history has always shown us that your truths of love, compassion, mutual respect, care of neighbor, kindness, forgiveness and unselfish generosity always – – always – – triumph over evil and inequality. Instill such truths in our leaders.

We pray also for our clergy at Church Street. We’re grateful that Pastors Catherine and Tim will continue to be with our congregation. And we’re grateful for the additions of Rev. Amber Lloyd and Rev. Sam Dzobo to the clergy team beginning soon. Sustain and strengthen their ministries with your wisdom and spiritual calling.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus preached messages of hope to all who would listen and follow his teachings. In our present time, those messages and the work of your church are as important now as they ever were.  Help us, gracious Lord, to connect our individual gifts, talents, and skills with fulfilling those hopes longed by Jesus. They are the hopes you have for the world.

God of Grace, hear and respond to these earnest prayers of others in our congregation. Hold close all represented here with your loving presence and comfort.